Remember, even if you can no longer provide fancy toys and treats, those things don't hold the same value to your dog that they do to a human. What your dog cares about is you and your family. If you've lost your job, focus on the relationships in your life that matter most. Connect with your children, siblings, friends, parents, and, of course, your dogs! Feeling uncertain about what to do with all this free time? Take a break from the job search to take your dog on a nice, long walk or visit a nearby dog park. If you are considering adopting a dog, I ask you to examine whether this decision is right for you at this time. A dog can be a wonderful and uplifting presence in your house, but you need to make this decision for the right reasons. If you're feeling lonely or hopeless and looking for someone to lean on, this might not be the time to adopt. Make sure you are emotionally and financially able to be a dog's calm assertive pack leader before you make this commitment. If you're not ready, that doesn't mean you have to deny yourself a relationship with a dog. You don't need money to have that. Foster a dog. Help a neighbor. Become a regular volunteer at a shelter or rescue. Keep adopting a dog on your "to do" list for later. Our president has encouraged us to reach out to others in this recession, and I could not agree more! This is the perfect time to give back to our communities. If you are still doing well financially, find time to reach out to loved ones and neighbors who are struggling. If you are out of a job, volunteering can be a good way to network and fight the blues. I truly believe that the more you give, the more comes your way! Stay calm and assertive, Cesar Millan http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/ |